With their dominant 71-45 victory at Allentown Central Catholic Monday night, Northampton still had a shot at playing in the upcoming East Penn Conference (EPC) playoffs beginning this weekend, although the Becahi Hawks recently slid into the eighth and final spot.

Despite missing out on leagues, the Konkrete Kids (14-8) will take some much-needed momentum, winning five of their last six games – two impressive consecutive wins over Nazareth and Central Catholic – to the next step.

Right now, it is simply about being able to play the game.

“We want to play meaningful games at the end of the season,” said Kids’ head coach Coy Stampone. “We want to play loose and play hard.

“We know there is a lot is at stake now, and this is fun. This is what you worked toward, and you really never know what is going to happen.”

Stampone has wanted his team to play an overall complete game all season, and they did just that against Central Catholic. Spencer Cole had a game-high 30 points, and Jake Christman, Issac Harris, and Donte Rodriguez each had 12 points.

“We played a complete game on offense and defense,” said Stampone. “It helps when Spencer Cole makes 10 threes.

“Defensively, the match zone was effective. Offensively, we had good spacing that allowed Dante (Rodriguez) (Zach) Gula, and Issac (Harris) to penetrate and kick. Spencer (Cole) was the recipient of some nice passing, but you still have to knock down shots and Spencer did. Jake Christman was a monster on the boards.

“It was nice to win at Rockne Hall. Last year, we lost at Rockne on a last-second shot. The kids remembered that game, and that was a little incentive.

“We can savor this win, and, hopefully, it will give us momentum in the district playoff or if we can sneak in the league playoffs.”

Stampone stated his team planned to create game situations and participate in a scrimmage during their wait time. He also saw the period as a time to heal some nagging injuries and restore general health.

“We’re a little banged up,” added Stampone. “Dante Rodriguez had been sick and battling through things and Spencer Cole missed some practice time with illnesses.

“We’ll try and simulate game situations as best as we can and work to keep them on the same schedule with games.”

Stampone believes his team balance can be effective in the postseason. Beginning the week, sophomore Issac Harris led the team with a 12.8 points per game average followed by Rodriguez (12.4) and fellow senior Zach Gula (12.0). Cole, another senior, is averaging 6.7 points.

Junior Jon Altomare (3.0) has been working to stay consistent.

With a senior-based team, Stampone is confident his team can make some noise in the postseason.

“They are a little disappointed because some games they let get away,” said Stampone. “I believe they will come into the districts with a chip on their shoulder. They know what they can and what they want to do.”

It will be about each of his players discovering their potential.

“We have a number of guys who can be in double figures on any given night,” added Stampone. “They know they can put it all together. We are a team that can be very dangerous in the playoffs, and teams don’t want to play us.”